Pennsylvania ranks 48th out of all the 50 states in economic growth. I will develop policy initiatives that attract clean energy technology and green building ventures to our state to bring new stable jobs to our district. Pennsylvania can become the Green Valley of tomorrow, just as Silicon Valley once transformed California’s economy, by creating opportunities for permanent green-collar jobs.

65% of the population lives in the top 100 metropolitan areas. I believe that in order to move Pennsylvania forward we need to advance sustainable economic development projects in our cities and towns and provide additional incentives for utilizing PA home grown products.

We need to take bigger steps that will expand alternative fuels, prevent storm water flooding and tackle our crumbling infrastructure more progressively. I will work on policy initiatives to ensure there is adequate funding for flood protection projects in the highest flood prone areas - like the 152nd District which has lost businesses, homes and lives.

I will work on establishing a more equitable system for property taxes, providing options and relief for property owners, especially senior citizens.

We need to address the flaws in No Child Left Behind by making sure our student’s academic achievement can be measured beyond test scores. Children who need academic help should be ensured there is state support for those programs. I believe that arts-based pre-school programs, such as Kaleidoscope, are central to developing cognitive connections and are good models for early childhood education.

It’s time to get healthcare cost under control and expand access to affordable healthcare to all Pennsylvanians, regardless of your income. Healthcare insurance costs are hurting working families who are experiencing shrinking paychecks and disappearing pensions.